Progress in Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: Plant-Based Nanoemulsion Coatings and Their Evolving Trends

Abstract

Innovative technologies in the food industry are focused on integrated approaches to improve the sustainability of the food system that cover the whole supply chain. Huge post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables and the use of synthetic chemical preservatives for this purpose are a matter of grave concern for any country. High demands for safe and healthy food have contributed to maximizing efforts to investigate post-harvest technology. Since fruits and vegetables are extremely perishable foods, they require the best post-harvest methods to maintain their storage stability and increase shelf-life. A solution for this emerging problem was found in the application of nanoemulsion edible coatings, described as thin-layered edible coatings or films with the possibility to provide additional benefits such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These coatings provide protection against moisture loss, respiration, gaseous exchange, microbial spoilage, etc., offering promising results to safeguard the physicochemical during the time of storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables. This review summarizes the newest studies of nanoemulsion coatings on fresh products, providing valuable information regarding preparation and application methods and applied polymers and bioactives. Moreover, it gives a detailed description of the influence of nanoemulsion coating application (shelf-life, weight loss, colour, etc.) on fresh fruits and vegetables during storage.

Comprehensive Literature Review on Metal Nanoparticle for Enhanced Shelf Life of Mango Fruit

“…This barrier effect prolongs the firmness, color, and general quality of the fruit. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated by Salunkhe et al [ 34 ], Ramadan and Moersel [ 35 ], Cvanić et al [ 36 ], Sharma et al [ 37 ], and Alizadeh Sani et al [ 38 ] that treating fruits with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO) prolongs their shelf life and maintains their quality. The fact that titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 ) prolong the shelf life of fruits has also been shown in numerous studies.…”

Assessment of Chitosan/Gelatin Blend Enriched with Natural Antioxidants for Antioxidant Packaging of Fish Oil

“…Composite films or coatings made by blending two or more film-forming substances exhibit superior physical, mechanical, and barrier properties compared to single-component materials. In addition, various active ingredients can be incorporated into these formulations to achieve antimicrobial and antioxidant effects or to improve sensory properties such as color and flavor [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The investigation of interpolymer interactions and the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes has become an important research focus due to its importance for both fundamental research and practical applications.…”